Main menu

A video of a Tennessee Congressman shooting down the dreams of a young girl who hoped he would be able to help with her father’s deportation proceedings has been posted online. Last Thursday, Rep. Scott DesJarlais was asked by 11-year-old Josie Molina what he would do to help her father remain in the country. DesJarlais answer? “Nothing.”

“When Tennessee Rep. Scott Desjarlais announced he would hold a town hall on immigration, Josie decided to attend to seek his support even though it was at a tea party event of more than 200. Since her father was placed in deportation proceedings, she's been going to therapy to deal with the anxiety.

Josie rose and took the mic, and in a trembling voice, said "Mr. Desjarlais, I have papers but my daddy doesn't, what can you do to make sure he can stay?" Rep. Desjarlais rebuked her request to a round of applause from the audience, but Josie and her family will keep on fighting to stop his deportation.

Josie attended with 90 other Rutherford County residents from Tennessee Immigrant Refugee Rights Coalition who want to see just and inclusive reform.”

Molina is one of a growing number of family members of undocumented immigrants who have been questioning Republicans about their stances on immigration. Rep. Mo Brooks, Rep. Aaron Schock, Rep. Tom Reed and Rep. Paul Ryan have all faced questions as of late, The Washington Post reported.